Neurotransmitters

 The brain and neurotransmitters are things I get so excited about and love talking endlessly. I will do my best not to do that and to explain in simpler terms what I am trying to get across. Please ask questions though, I absolutely LOVE answering questions. Additionally, the lack of comments on my posts for a long time is discouraging. I am working on creating a podcast that I will have done by the end of this year. In this podcast I will be explaining things in greater detail. I have learned so much from my experiences, the things that affect me, and my love to learn. To the point...

Neurotransmitters are essentially chemicals that transfer from one neuron (brain cell) to another. We need them to function, survive, and thrive! There are 6 main neurotransmitters: acetylcholine, dopamine, GABA, glutamate, norepinephrine, and serotonin. In order to function like a normal human being, they need to be properly balanced, regulated in the most beautiful way. When they are in sync, you can feel alive, and thrilled to be on the Earth, with a body! Unfortunately for me, and most people in the world, our neurotransmitters are way out of wack. Additionally, there can be plenty of problems if any part of the connection between the two neurons is damaged. In my accident, a LOT of those connections were damaged. Finally, there are 3 things needed to keep neurotransmitters alive and active: oxygen, nutrients and stimulation. 

Acetylcholine is the most underappreciated neurotransmitter. Yet it is responsible for so much. Acetylcholine is extremely present in memory and cognition. Acetylcholine aids in creativity, comprehension, recognition, spatial awareness, learning, logic, reason, calculation, and overall mental responsiveness. Most brain injured survivors suffer a great loss of acetylcholine, especially at first. 

Dopamine is the "reward" neurotransmitter. Dopamine increases your awareness and concern for others. Dopamine gives you satisfaction for a job completed. Dopamine stimulates motivation and initiation. A lack of dopamine causes an easily set off temper, a desire to isolate, and feelings of worthlessness and hopelessness. I think you all know I have experienced a great loss of dopamine as well. 

GABA is the only inhibitory neurotransmitter. Aka, it's the only neurotransmitter that calms the nervous system and can help us in moments of high stress or pressure. GABA is tightly associated with glutamate, which is the main excitatory neurotransmitter. A lack of GABA leads to a lot of irrational anxiety and panic, feelings of dread, being overwhelmed for no reason, a restless mind, disorganized attention and the inability to turn off your mind when trying to relax. Does this not explain me or what? If you feel any of these things, DO NOT BUY the supplement GABA. GABA is too big to cross the blood brain barrier (something that protects the brain from harmful chemicals). There are agonists (things that support production) that are helpful, but GABA in and of itself is worthless. 

Glutamate, like I mentioned above, is the main excitatory neurotransmitter. Glutamate assists acetylcholine in creating memory and learning pathways. Glutamate also plays a key role in development in the young brain. Finally, as luck would have it, glutamate plays a key role in the repair work of the brain. 

Norepinephrine is most commonly paired with epinephrine. These are the adrenaline neurotransmitters that rush into action when you're in trouble. Norepinephrine is found most abundantly in mammals. Norepinephrine works within your blood vessels and has a great deal to do with the rate and force of the contraction of your heart. It also aids in skeletal muscles. Finally, the most frustrating part of norepinephrine is that it works when you are in the "fight or flight" mode. Unfortunately for people with PTSD, that is almost always. 

Serotonin is the "feel good" neurotransmitter. Serotonin helps to maintain a homeostasis of emotions, regulating mood and aggression, appetite, respiration and the perception of pain. Serotonin allows you to feel joy in the little things (and the big things), such as favorite foods, hobbies/interests, favorite activities, favorite foods, friendships and other relationships. What's more is serotonin plays a big role in the production of melatonin and overall sleep. I rarely get good sleep. :)

To conclude, neurotransmitters are a vital part of life. When the production or reception of these neurotransmitters get disrupted, it can cause a great deal of anguish. If you feel like there is absence of any of these, talk to a doctor or try out some supplements. (But be sure to get supplements that will work, not GABA, try talking to me...)